I've been thinking often about how there are so many things that were done by others when I was a child have been offloaded to the individual, perceived-as-autonomous-and-rational consumer. Read more
I've been thinking often about how there are so many things that were done by others when I was a child have been offloaded to the individual, perceived-as-autonomous-and-rational consumer. Read more
There are thousands of digital ways to deliver spiritual content and in my more Luddite moments I ask the question as to whether digital ways are inherently unsuited for delivering spiritual content. Do they ultimately make us unable to receive what we most need? Read more
Take one boss and imagine him or her setting a course for the next few months, casting a vision, laying out a roadmap, or whatever it is bosses do these days. Now multiply that by six. Read more
You can, as a matter of fact, show love for someone by giving them money, especially when money (rather than, say, "thoughts and prayers") is what they most need. Read more
Yesterday I wrote on my Facebook page “The Victorians had the right idea. Put black on and tell everyone to come back in a year.” Now, I’m a historian of the Victorian era, so I know it was more complicated than that. There were a lot of social rules that may seem overly strict from our perspective, and (as I learned on the rabbit hole of the Internet while looking up Victorian mourning customs) mourning in the full Victorian sense... Read more
In each other we are most our own. Read more
I had anticipated I’d be writing a post early last week, following up on my thoughts about burnout with my thoughts about multiple gigs and late capitalism, but my father died unexpectedly. He was in his 80s, but had seemed healthy, so it was a great shock (and we now have to fill out All the Forms and do All the Legal Things.) In his honor and memory, I point you to a “golden oldie” I wrote about him –... Read more
I made two New Years’ resolutions this year: to start blogging here again, and to get 20-30 active minutes per day on my Fitbit. (Yes, I know Big Data is reading my Fitbit. Librarians come in two varieties: those who are extremely paranoid about Big Data and those who are extremely un-paranoid. I am the second flavor.) That means returning to thinking about what particular vocation-related question is plaguing me this week. Since it’s in the news, I settled on... Read more
….means you may end up contemplating Neville Longbottom and writing this poem. “Of your charity, please pray for me.” Pencil poised to paper, “Why?” she said. Because they built the wall up brick by golden brick; and when I try to speak a word just bricks come out. Because I bear the weight of centuries with everything I say. Because I tried to shift the wall away and darkness echoed down a thousand halls. Because my name is not a... Read more
Why do we find ourselves in a world where what is vain is also what is expected of us? Read more
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